Journal Classic Cars

Sometimes there are very rare and special modern collector cars that can seem to get lost in the shuffle. This happens most often when the manufacturer does not fully promote the specific model or there is a more popular model that simply overshadows it. These great cars go overlooked for years until someone with influence in the hobby ends up buying one and giving it exposure and singing its praises. Our Pick of the Day is, to my eyes, the most beautiful as well as one of the rarest standard production BMW M cars ever built. This 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Pompano Beach, Florida.

The E85/86 Z4 was BMWs replacement for the Z3 and like the Z3 was built in the U.S. at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The first generation of the Z4 was designed by Anders Warming, who also was responsible for the second-generation X3 and was also part of the team who designed the almost mythic E39 M5. The Z4 was introduced at the 2002 Paris Auto show and went on sale in November of that year.

At the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW unveiled a concept coupé version of the Z4. That design has been credited to the aforementioned Anders Warming, BMW Design Chief Chris Bangle, Adrian van Hooydonk, and BMW designer Tomasz Sycha. I suppose great designs have many folks who want to be attached to them but I know how the design process at BMW works and I am sure every designer on the above list had a hand in the design of the coupe. The production version of Z4 M Coupe was introduced at the New York Auto Show in April 2006 and went on sale less than two months later.

I can add some personal impressions of both cars as I currently own a Z3 and have owned a Z4 roadster and have a lot of time behind the wheel of the Z4 M Coupe as well. While I prefer exterior design of the Z3 roadster, the Z4 is a better driver’s car in every way. It has more interior room while only being 2.5 inches long and 3 inches wider than the Z3. The Z4 is also much better dynamically and has one of the strongest chassis of any roadster I have ever driven. This makes the Z4 a car that offers amazing handling and little (if any) chassis flex. Think about that and then imagine the coupe version. Adding the stunning fastback roof to the Z4 Coupe literally double the torsional stiffness of the roadster, making it one of the best-handling BMW road cars I have ever driven.

This Z4 Coupe is an M version, which means it’s a good car made even better. The 330-horsepower S54 inline-six has 80 horses more than the standard 3.0si coupe version. This gave the M Coupe a 0-60 sprint of 4.6 seconds, which was a second faster than the standard Z4. In addition, the M version had wider tires, a firmer suspension, bigger brakes, and an even better exhaust note. It is a car that can easily do track and daily driving duty, and do both without and compromises.

The performance offered by the Z4 M Coupe is only part of what makes this car so desirable. The styling of the Z4 is, in my opinion, one of BMW’s finest designs in the history of the company. The fastback roof, combined with the quasi-Zagato “double bubble” roof styling cues, all work to make the Z4 Coupe perfectly proportioned. It’s practically the template for the car that looks fast standing still.

The seller describes this Z4 M Coupe as having covered a total of 61k miles from new. It is finished in Titanium Silver Metallic over a Dark Sepang Brown Leather interior, a combination I have never seen before but one that looks fabulous, especially combined with the brushed aluminum interior trim.

Options on this Z4 include M Sport Seats, M Sport multifunction steering wheel, heated power seats with memory, Storage package, Smokers package, Premium Hi-Fi audio system (this system has to be heard to be believed), and Xenon headlights with auto-leveling and washers. Happily, this car did not come with navigation, which makes the dash look both cleaner and more classic.

Both the exterior and interior of this Z4 look to be in exceptional condition. I looked at the photos multiple times and could not find anything that needed any attention whatsoever. I would ask the dealer about the service history of this car, as it likely has the records but don’t say so in the ad. Remember, this Z4 Coupe is a true M car and regular servicing is necessary.

Of all the more modern German collectibles out there today, the Z4 M Coupe is one of those cars that has not quite caught on yet. These Bimmers are quite rare with a total worldwide production of only 1,815 built. To add to this car’s rarity, this Z4 M coupe is one of only two cars built in Titanium Silver with the Dark Sepang Brown Leather interior. This makes the asking price for this car at only $38,298 seem like a no-brainer. If you think that sounds crazy, consider that amount is less than a E46 M3 in the same condition. Not only does the Z4 M Coupe look better, but it is also faster than the M3 and much rarer. That makes this 2007 Z4 M Coupe one of the best BMW M car deals on the market and the one I would buy myself.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

While not particularly quick by today’s standards, the Rocket 88 was a strong performance car when it came out in 1949, paving the way for the muscle car era in later years. The Pick of the Day is a 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 hardtop listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Florence, Montana.

One of the keys to the 88’s success in stock car and NASCAR racing was its 303ci OHV Rocket V8 engine, giving the car the ability to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in about 12 seconds. Nowadays, cars can get up to that speed in a fraction of that time (check out the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, which does it in 1.68 seconds).

While no longer powered by its original 303, this 88 packs even more punch. The powertrain has been upgraded to a 455ci Oldsmobile V8 with a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission. Maintenance history includes replacement of the radiator, Edelbrock intake, and dual exhaust system. As icing on the cake, the engine bay has been dressed up with generous chrome accents, adding a show-car element to the build. The seller says the front end has received $3,500 in work, including a new steering box.

Cosmetically, the car is equally solid. “Beautiful restored Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Futuramic Holiday hardtop,” the listing begins. The exterior has been redone in the original two-tone blue and black color scheme; exterior features include chrome brightwork, a hood ornament, a driver-side mirror, and a set of modern American Racing alloy wheels with new tires (the stock wire hubcaps are included with the sale).

The interior was redone in a factory-style theme with two-tone black and white upholstery for the bench seats. Of particular interest is the steering wheel, which contains a unique planet-themed center design. At first glance, it looks like Saturn, but digging a little deeper shows that it was designed to represent Earth. The ring around it is said to be made by the rocket contrails surrounding it — a pretty neat feature for a car from the ’50s.

It’s no wonder the Rocket was such a celebrated car of the era. One of the magazine ads for it said, “Make a date with a Rocket 8!” It went on to say, “Only in Oldsmobile will you find Futuramic beauty and glamour to match the Rocket’s flashing performance.”

“Flashing performance” is indeed in plentiful supply, especially with a later-model 455ci V8 under the hood!

The asking price for this vintage hardtop is $31,000 or best offer.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

This random assortment of cars listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com have one thing in common. Can you tell us what that may be?

Post your answers in the Comments section below. Be sure to tell us the year/make/model as well — it would be less fun without those details!

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Tuesday is more than just the second day of the work week — it’s when The ClassicCars.com Journal introduces a new automotive puzzle. Click here to play past car games!

Finding repair information shouldn’t be this hard

If you own a classic car, you know the feeling. You notice a new smell, a small leak on the garage floor, or a sound that wasn’t there last weekend. What should be a simple fix turns into hours digging through old forum threads, bouncing between YouTube videos, and opening tab after tab looking for the one detail that actually applies to your car.

Ten tabs later, you’re still not sure where to start.

That’s the real problem. Fixing a car usually isn’t the hard part. Finding clear, trustworthy repair information is. The internet gives you endless answers, but not a clear next step. That oil smell could be a valve cover leak, a PCV issue, a clogged breather, or something dripping onto the exhaust. And the video that looks promising skips the exact step you’re stuck on.

For classic and enthusiast car owners, it’s even harder. Information is scattered, inconsistent, or buried in old threads. Sometimes the person explaining it assumes you already know three steps they never mention.

We thought there should be a better way.

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Sleek, streamlined, and stylish were the name of the game when it came to epitomizing the “lead sled” era. Featured on AutoHunter is a 1949 Mercury 2-Door Custom Coupe that brings all of those attributes, in addition to some modern mechanical upgrades. It is listed by a dealer in Southampton, New York, with the auction ending on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).

Finished in “Black Cherry,” the exterior features include chrome bumpers, a custom grille, Frenched headlights, a louvered hood, a chopped top, dual side mirrors, shaved door handles, rear wheel skirts, custom taillights, and a dual exhaust system. The body was smoothed, lowered, and polished to perfection – complete with an accent pinstripe that runs the length of the body.

To many, Mercury models from the late 1940s and early 1950s were considered the ultimate “lead sleds.” They helped define the custom car movement in the decades that followed, and they were frequently used as blank canvases for radical customization. Famed American automotive designer George Barris (pictured above) was known for his love of Mercury models from the era. One of his most influential customs, the “Hirohata Mercury,” was a 1952 model that was heavily modified both inside and out.

The cabin of this eye-catching custom coupe delivers Cadillac-grade comfort, thanks to transplanted power-adjustable seats that came from a later-model vehicle. Additional interior features include power windows, a Grant steering wheel, Sunpro gauges, a JVC AM/FM/cassette radio, and a Hurst shifter.

Power comes from a rebuilt 350ci V8 mated to a Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission and a nine-inch Ford rear end. Performance upgrades include a Holley four-barrel carburetor and Hedman long-tube headers. The car has a few other tricks up its sleeve, like power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system. It offers a compelling blend of old and new, all wrapped up in a Black Cherry package that’s pretty irresistible.

As rewarding as it would be to build a lead sled of your own, consider the fact that you could alternatively buy a professionally finished, turn-key “Merc” that will have everyone on your block staring. It is bound to make the perfect addition to your summer 2026 cruising schedule. Check out the selling dealer’s videos for an inside-and-out look at this special custom.

The auction for this 1949 Mercury 2-Door Custom Coupe ends on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Do you remember when Jeep said it was going to keep using the 392 Hemi V8? It wasn’t kidding. That beast is under the hood of the 2026 Wrangler Moab 392, the first model from Jeep’s Twelve 4 Twelve celebration of its 85th anniversary. It’s also powering the latest celebratory release, the 2026 Wrangler Willys 392.

Of course, the main attraction is the 392, a massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that cranks out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque (which we enjoyed in the 2025 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition). But there’s more cool hardware than just that: the vintage-inspired Willys 392 comes equipped with such goodies as 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a Tru-Lok electronic locking rear differential, Selec-Trac full-time transfer case, Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front and full-float rear axles, rock rails, steel bumpers, cold-air intake with a water separator (perfect for V8-powered splashes through streams), and more.

In addition to the expected Willys decals and old-school graphics, there are also plenty of comfort and convenience features. Those include LED exterior lighting, heated and power-adjustable Nappa leather front seats, an Alpine audio system with a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, four programmable auxiliary switches, and the Trailer Tow Package.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys 392’s combination of heritage and power will be available at a starting price of $69,995 (excluding the $1,995 destination fee). However, you have to wait until Jeep starts accepting orders in March before you can sign on the dotted line.

You may not recognize the car you see here, an N2A Motors Anteros, as a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. That’s because all its bodywork was swapped out for dramatic carbon composite panels inspired by Italian styling. N2A also upgraded the interior with new leather, Italian carpeting, and wood accents, but the steering wheel, center stack, and 6-speed manual shifter are straight-up Corvette.

Underneath the hood is the C6’s LS2 6.0-liter V8, which came from the factory with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. You don’t see a Corvette like the N2A Anteros every day, but the person who paid $36,300 for it at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction will get an eyeful of it every time they go in their garage.

Subscribe to the ClassicCars TV YouTube channel for more Interesting Finds.

Currently listed for sale on AutoHunter is this 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS Pace Car convertible. With option code Z11 (pace car accents), combined with Z22 (Rally Sport package) and Z27 (Super Sport package), the 1969 Camaro was transformed into an Indy Pace Car replica at the factory. Like most Z11s, this vehicle is powered by the 300-horsepower 350, which is backed by a TH350 automatic. Features include air conditioning, power convertible top, front disc brakes, tilt steering column, and more. Painted Dover White with Hugger Orange stripes over an orange and black vinyl and houndstooth cloth interior, this performance pony car comes from the selling dealer with a reproduction window sticker, memorabilia, owner’s manual, and a clear title.

The Dover White hue was mandatory for Pace Cars, as were the Z/28-style stripes in Hugger Orange. There are also pinstripes on all four fenders as part of the Rally Sport package. And since it’s an RS, it has the semi-hidden headlights and special taillights. Other features include a white convertible top, Cowl Induction hood, chromed faux rear fender scoops, pace car lettering, chrome side-view mirrors, front and rear bumper guards, and a pair of chrome exhaust pipes. A set of 14-inch Rally wheels are wrapped in 215/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter radials.

The cabin is furnished with orange vinyl upholstery with black and orange houndstooth cloth inserts for the seats. There is no console, which means the automatic shifter is on the column—unusual for these cars. Other interior features include woodgrain trim, power steering, tilt steering column, and aftermarket retro-look AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo.

The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and a gauge for the fuel. A clock resides in the right-hand cluster. The odometer currently shows 85,469 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.

The engine under the Cowl Induction hood is the standard engine for the SS package, which was a 300-horsepower 350 with a four-barrel carburetor—note the air cleaner baffle that mates to the plenum on the underside of the hood. A TH350 three-speed automatic puts the powerplant through the gears.

The undercarriage features power front disc brakes, a rear differential with 3.73 gears, and a dual exhaust system.

Indianapolis Pace Car replicas always are novel collectibles because they tend to be trimmed differently than their regular brethren. The Z11-equipped 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS/RS Pace Car convertible is perhaps the best example of this because it features unique trim in one of the most popular cars ever created. Plus, it’s a performer due to its standard list of hi-po equipment. In other words, the subject of our AutoHunter Spotlight checks all the boxes. What’s left? For you to check the box that allows you to submit a bid because once the clock hits 12:15 p.m. (MST) on Friday, February 20, 2026, the auction will be over . . . and the car may be yours!

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

It’s been a month since we featured a woodie wagon as our Pick of the Day (unless you count this 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer). That’s far too long to go without seeing one of the handsome, classic vehicles that used to cruise down American roads and highways in great numbers. This 1948 Oldsmobile Series 66 Station Wagon is just the car to end that streak. You can find it listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Phoenix. It comes with original manuals, a jack, trunk-mounted spare tire, fire extinguisher, and recent inspection report.

Oldsmobile’s 1948 Dynamic Series brochure shows that it offered seven body styles: five for the Series 60 and two for the Series 70. Opting for a 60 with the 100-horsepower inline-six made it into a Series 66, which is what the original buyer of this wagon did. Later on, someone decided to restore this hauler, changing the color from Nickel Gray to the current Ivy Green. That pairs beautifully with the dark green vinyl top, and the ash and mahogany woodwork.

The two-row interior was reupholstered in maroon vinyl and tan cloth — an unexpected combo given the exterior colors. One thing that’s not shocking is the presence of even more wood, which forms the door panels and even the ceiling. The ivory-colored steering wheel, vintage gauges, and brightwork on the dash lighten up the cabin and make it even more attractive.

The long, domed hood covers what makes this 60 a 66: a 238ci I6 that was factory-rated to produce 100 horsepower at 3,400 rpm. The “Oldsmobile Six,” as it was otherwise known, could be paired with a synchromesh manual or a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic, the latter of which is connected to this particular car’s column shifter.

With its handsome combination of materials and colors, this 1948 Oldsmobile Series 66 Station Wagon is a piece of rolling American that would be a welcome sight at any vintage car show. It’ll look even better in your driveway. You can get it there for $68,000.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

My Journal compatriot Derek Shiekhi mentioned earlier this week that someone in the building had driven a new-to-us white R129 SL to the office. Not being great on the internal names of late-model cars, I asked, “Mercedes?”

 “Yep! One of Bruno Sacco’s masterpieces.”

“Serious question: Just because you like it, does that make it a masterpiece?”

“Masterpiece” is a word I’ve seen thrown around plenty in online discussions of music, art, design, you name it. Seeing the word used to describe The Ramones’ “Rocket to Russia” makes me roll my eyes. Is it a seminal LP? Sure! Is it within the same graces of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”? Nope! I don’t want to think that everything I enjoy is great or perfect—a masterpiece, if you will—because it’s not, but it appears online inhabitants have the opposite habit.

So, now I’ve been confronted with the idea that the 1990-2002 R129 Mercedes-Benz SL is a masterpiece. I reckon I should look up the definition before I judge. According to Merriam-Webster, a masterpiece is “a work done with extraordinary skill” or “a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement.” Though the latter sounds subjective to my ears, what is not subjective is that “masterpiece” originates from a piece of work presented to a medieval guild as evidence of qualifications for the rank of master. In that sense, design leaders like Harley Earl or Virgil Exner would be considered masters. What about Bruno Sacco?

Apparently, he had a lengthy career at Mercedes-Benz, first hired in 1958 and then serving as the head of styling from 1975 until 1999. With those creds, he qualifies as a master. His favorite design? Nothing fancy—just the W201 190 sedan that was called the “Baby Benz” by the press when introduced, and the car to which the current C-Class (W206) can trace its lineage. From a historical standpoint within the brand, the W201 could be considered a masterpiece because there were so many facets to its creation that converged: suspension, roll bars, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry, airbags, ABS, seat belt pretensioners, and lightweight steel that could help the car withstand an offset crash at 35 mph while maintaining reasonable passenger protection.

Looking at the W201’s design and styling, I don’t think anyone would consider it a masterpiece unless they used the original definition; however, when it comes to packaging and content, as coming from a master designer, it most certainly is. Laypeople like you and me probably don’t consider anything beyond design and styling, so context may have a place here. The same holds true for the R129—the design comes off as a bit heavy and tank-like (which has its good points) but doesn’t seem to follow the lineage of the original W198 (aka 300 SL “Gullwing”), which could create a bias from an observer. But, like the W201, the R129 too was the complete package, with different elements converging to create the most modern of vehicles.

So, masterpiece or not? It may depend on context or subjectivity, or maybe I’m just full of it.